Upper Keys Weekly 23-0302

TURN SOMEDAY INTO RIGHT NOW

Step into paradise on Plantation Key! This beautiful canal front home is positioned on a quiet street with an oversized lot and 140 ft of canal frontage. This concrete residence offers three bedrooms upstairs with three full bathrooms, plus one bedroom and one bathroom downstairs with a separate entrance. An ideal full-time residence or a weekend getaway, this home has been meticulously maintained. It is complete with impact windows and doors, a spacious open floor plan with soaring wood ceilings, covered upstairs outdoor space, a rooftop deck and plenty of room to seamlessly entertain. Enjoy the outdoors of this stunningly landscaped property with a 10k lb boat lift, outdoor shower, tiki, fish cleaning station, covered carport with charger for an electric vehicle, and plenty of storage for your Keys toys. The adjacent lot provides room for an outdoor kitchen or pool.

PLANTATION KEY | $3,100,000 | Listing ID: 603904

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Student loan forgiveness of up to $20,000 is at stake for some 40 million Americans. On Feb. 28, the U.S. Supreme Court began to hear two cases challenging President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan that he announced last August. Those earning less than $125,000 would get up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt canceled, while households making less than $250,000 would receive up to $20,000 in debt relief.

Senior pitcher Kailee Reinoso tosses the ball during a Feb. 24 Coral Shores home game against Somerset Academy South Homestead. The Hurricanes won 17-1 after the mercy rule was enacted at the end of the third inning.

DOUG

FINGER/ Keys Weekly

HABITAT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN ISLAMORADA

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Achieving the Florida Keys homeownership dream may seem daunting, especially in times that followed the COVID-19 pandemic with soaring demands and rising prices. Even renting a home proved to be a challenge for working-class families.

One local nonprofit is confronting the Keys affordable housing crisis and providing opportunities for workers and families to attain a home without breaking the bank.

Coming off successful completion of a four-unit complex in 2022 and 16 affordable housing units in 2020, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys recently broke ground on yet another project. Dubbed “Gardenia Place,” work is underway to construct seven single-family homes and a two-story duplex right next to Plantation Key School and not far from Coral Shores High School. Land clearing and ground work recently began by one of Habitat’s longtime partners, CBT Construction.

HFHUK’s latest project is seen as an attractive and affordable homeownership opportunity for teachers and school staff working nearby, as well as first responders and other essential members of the Upper Keys workforce.

Lindsay Fast, HFHUK executive director, said she was pleased to see the project underway during a ceremonial groundbreaking with Habitat board members and stakeholders on Feb. 23. The work began in July 2021 when HFHUK expressed interest in developing two parcels of property owned by the village of Islamorada. By September 2021, Habitat was awarded land to develop some much-needed housing.

“We’re pleased that the village donated the land so we could proceed without complicated land lease agreements,” Fast said.

CBT Construction is leading Habitat’s latest housing project. CONTRIBUTED

Dave Helwig, president of the HFHUK executive committee, said the arrangement that allowed Habitat to acquire the property through a village donation is unique.

Fast said homes on Gardenia Street will be elevated with parking space underneath, which is similar to Habitat’s other projects in Islamorada, including Esslinger Heights at MM 89 and Windley Point complex near MM 88. Each home will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Publix Super Market Charities offered a $50,000 donation to become a partial home sponsor. And with construction costs increasing, Fast said HFHUK is still seeking other sponsors for the project. Habitat is hosting a cocktail party on March 10. Proceeds will be directed to construction of Gardenia Place and future projects.

Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys board members and local stakeholders hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of Gardenia Place in Islamorada on Feb. 23.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Chris Trentine, owner of CBT Construction, acknowledged that HFHUK homes allow teachers, first responders and other workers the chance to be in a safe and well-constructed home.

Homeowner applications for Gardenia Place are expected to be available in late summer 2023, according to Fast. Applicants must qualify based on need and ability to pay. In addition, a single applicant must complete 250 hours of sweat equity, while families applying for a home must complete 350 hours.

With income guidelines set by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, HFHUK accepts applicants in the 50% to 80% area median income range. Visit habitatupperkeys.org for more information.

KEYS SEEK CARVEOUT FOR PREMIUM HIKES, FLOOD INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

FIRM ON WINDSTORM RELIEF

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Two special sessions of the Florida Legislature in 2022 confronted the state’s crumbling property insurance industry with reforms that targeted litigation and attorney fees, as well as hundreds of millions in funding to help companies on the verge of collapse.

None of the actions by legislators resulted in direct decreases in premiums for policyholders throughout the state and the Florida Keys, but an upcoming 60-day session in Tallahassee beginning March 7 brings another opportunity. Mel Montagne, president of Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe (FIRM), is already advocating for several fixes to provide some relief to local windstorm policyholders — one being a carveout for Monroe County related to Citizens’ premium rate increase schedule. FIRM was created to ensure fair insurance rates for the Florida Keys and bring insurance inequities to the attention of state officials, and Montagne said there are several.

More than 18,000 wind policies in Monroe County are through the statebacked Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Considered an insurer of last resort, Citizens provides insurance to property owners who are in good faith and can’t obtain coverage through the private market. Citizens is funded by policyholder premiums, which continue to increase by the year. A property insurance market remained volatile in 2022, as a number of insurance companies went insolvent. That left policyholders scrambling to find coverage elsewhere, and many were left with no choice but to go with Citizens.

Policies through Citizens are well over 1 million, up from 474,000 policies insured through Citizens in June 2020. Growing numbers of policies and premium increases, from 11% in 2022 to 15% in 2026, are causing concerns for local policyholders and FIRM.

Added to the list of concerns was legislation passed in a December special session that aims to move policyholders off Citizens if a private insurer offers them a premium that’s within 20% of their Citizens premium. Montagne said it was a slap to the face of Monroe County.

“The genesis of Citizens goes back 51 years to Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association; it was created as a vehicle to insure property for windstorm in Monroe County because insurance companies as far back as 51 years didn’t want to insure that peril,” he said. “To tell us today that, ‘yeah we’re going to impose all of these things’ to deflect folks to go Citizens, we don’t have a choice.”

Montagne refers to the lack of private insurance carriers providing service in Monroe County, which is why a majority of property owners have Citizens. Residential and commercial wind insurance rates in Monroe County are the highest throughout Florida and 175% higher than the median coastal rate. Montagne said Monroe County has some of the most rigorous building standards in Florida, yet Citizens’ rate calculations don’t reflect that.

“Monroe County is unique in its building code and in the way people mitigate their homes for protection against hurricanes,” Montagne said. “A lot of that, in our opinion, is not taken into account on these models that generate base rates for insurance rates.”

During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers upped the annual cap for Citizens premiums for the ensuing five years. Montagne said FIRM is seeking a carveout in the law that exempts Monroe County from rate increases to 15% by 2026.

Montagne said FIRM is also asking legislators to provide a carveout as it relates to a new flood insurance requirement for all Citizens policyholders. Homeowners with a mortgage already have flood insurance since it’s required. But properties affected include condos, homes elevated above base flood elevation and non-mortgaged properties. Montagne said forcing property owners to carry insurance that they don’t need is unreasonable and burdensome. And it could result in Monroe County residents dropping their windstorm coverage with Citizens if they don’t have a mortgage.

Montagne said he had the chance to meet with state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez to dis-

cuss FIRM’s initiatives, of which they both expressed support.

“The problem is getting other legislators on board to help us in our plight,” Montagne said.

Montagne is hopeful legislators review provisions within current statute that provide such carve outs for counties, so long as they’re an area of critical state concern and don’t have a competitive property insurance market.

“We feel quite strongly with those two provisions,” he said. “We should get a carveout for Monroe County for flood insurance requirements and the continued pummeling we receive with rate increases.”

A seat at the table is equally important to the changes FIRM is seeking this legislative session. According to Montagne, Monroe County no longer has a representative on the state’s Citizens

board of governors. Upper Keys resident Bette Brown began serving on the board following her appointment by former Gov. Rick Scott in 2014. She served some seven years until 2021.

Brown told the Keys Weekly she was appointed twice by Scott before current Gov. Ron DeSantis tapped someone else for the board. Brown said she would have continued if she was selected for another term. During her time on the board, Brown said Citizens insurance was aware of the issues facing Monroe County. They even conducted a $400,000 study to determine whether hardening of structures would help insurance rates in the Keys.

“There were a lot of discussions about Monroe County,” Brown said.

Monroe County hasn’t seen a representative at the nine-person table since Brown’s departure. Currently, St. Johns County has two representatives on the Citizens board despite only having 4,800 Citizens policies. There’s also a representative from Nassau County with 1,400 policies.

“Monroe County is unique in its building code and in the way people mitigate their homes for protection against hurricanes. A lot of that, in our opinion, is not taken into account on these models that generate base rates for insurance rates.”

— Mel Montagne, president of FIRM’s board of directors

Mel Montagne

COUNTY COMMISSION WEIGHS TRAUMA STAR HELOS, SUPPORT FOR FWC AND MOSQUITO CONTROL

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Discussion of new Trauma Star choppers, support for FWC initiatives and law enforcement, and continuing support of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District occupied much of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners’ Feb. 15 meeting before giving way to an extended discussion on the county’s ongoing resilience, sustainability and water quality projects.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay opened the meeting with an update on the Trauma Star Air Ambulance program, conducted in a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office, which supplies pilots and a program director, and Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR), which provides flight paramedics and nurses.

The program’s Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters are 22 years old – the average life expectancy for the aircraft is 25 years –and see extensive use, with 1,386 flights in the last year alone.

With replacement parts increasingly hard to find for the discontinued model, Ramsay said MCSO, MCFR and administrative staff have begun to explore replacement options. He touted the Leonardo AW139 aircraft as the lone available model that satisfies Trauma Star’s mission parameters, noting that similar models are in use by Miami Air Rescue and Palm Beach County Trauma District.

“Our mission profile is so specific based on our geographic distance,” said Ramsay. “We need speed, we need range, and we need lift.”

The three replacement birds would carry a price tag of $52 million to purchase outright, with a slight reduction if the manufacturer nixed extraneous features unnecessary for Trauma Star’s mission. Their lifespan is similar to the program’s current helicopters.

County administrator Roman Gastesi recommended the commission move forward with the purchase, with recommendations from staff coming soon about how to finance the new aircraft. The commission voted unanimously to direct Ramsay to move forward with preliminary negotiations to purchase the aircraft.

With increased state scrutiny on special taxing districts and mosquito control programs around the state, the commission unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District’s continued responsibility for mosquito control activities in Monroe County.

Commenting on a recent trend of dissolving special taxing districts in an effort to move mosquito control operations under the umbrella of local governments, FKMCD board chairman Phil Goodman told the commission that, “These legislatures are trying to paint all (special taxing districts) with the same ugly brush, and that’s not the case. … We certainly welcome any form of performance review.”

Of the 62 state-authorized mosquito control entities in Florida, 42 are controlled by county governments while 15, including FKMCD, are controlled by special taxing districts. Goodman and FKMCD executive

director Andrea Leal touted Monroe County as one of six larger “technology centers” for mosquito control, responsible for most technological advances in containment of the pests over the last 50 years.

Goodman said the district’s proactive approach, instead of the reactive response he described in Miami-Dade during South Florida’s dengue fever outbreak in 2022, can be credited for the Keys’ ability to combat diseases like the Zika virus and dengue.

“(Mosquito control) involves a lot of science to be effective, and I don’t think we would voluntarily take on that amount of learning,” said commissioner David Rice.

“I did watch a video of the committee hearing in Tallahassee, and some of the members just said, ‘Let’s do away with all the taxing districts in the state.’ That level of knowledge in that position is frightening.”

“This is an attempt to fix something that’s completely not broken,” said commissioner Holly Raschein. “We’re the goldstar model for the nation.”

In other news:

• Following a presentation by attorney Robert Spottswood Jr., the commission unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for FWC’s artificial reef program in the Florida Keys, designed to create additional man-made structures in an effort to provide habitat and protect marine resources. The commission also committed to exploring establishment of its own artificial reef program within the county government, funded by the state, private citizens or grant money.

• The commission approved a resolution in support of bringing more FWC officers to the Keys while allowing officers to use digital photography as evidence, particularly in wildlife conservation cases and resource violations.

A Florida Keys Mosquito Control helicopter flies an aerial larvicide mission. At its Feb. 15 meeting, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution in support of the program via a special taxing district. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

KEY LARGO FOOD PANTRY RISES TO THE OCCASION

STAR OF THE SEA KEEPING FAMILIES FED AMID SOARING PRICES AT GROCERY STORE

Located at St. Justin’s Church, the Star of the Sea (SOS) Key Largo Food Pantry stayed busy during recent months supplying clients with healthy fruits and vegetables, as well as canned goods, bakery items and meat.

As food prices continue to climb, the pantry is seeing a tremendous increase in the number of people requiring assistance. The pantry distribution is open to all on Mondays from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

In other news:

• The SOS Key Largo Food Pantry thanked client Miriam Requate, who recently served a delicious seafood paella and chocolate cake to thank the 14 volunteers of the pantry. Her yearly luncheon for the workers is a highlight of the holiday season. The pantry and its volunteers also thanked area businesses and resi-

dents of Key Largo for their help.

• On Feb. 3, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys recognized longtime SOS volunteer Ginny Bowles at the 2023 Unsung Hero Volunteer Luncheon, along with many other volunteers throughout Monroe County. She was accompanied by former employee Robin Page, who transported Ginny to the Marriott Beachside Hotel in Key West to receive her award.

• On March 15 the Key Largo library will hold a community resource fair. Deb Martin will represent the SOS Food Pantry and explain the operation to those in attendance.

• Plantation Key School in Islamorada and the Keys Jewish Community Center (KJCC) accepted donations to support the SOS Food Pantry Hygiene Drive through February.

— Contributed

LONGTIME SHERIFF’S OFFICE EMPLOYEE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

Sheriff’s Capt. Lee Ann Holroyd recently completed her 40th year with the Sheriff’s Office — making her the longest-serving full-time member with the agency.

“Capt. Holroyd is a vital member of my team and a good friend,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “Her tenure with the Sheriff’s Office is a testament to her dedication to this community and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Ramsay and Holroyd attended the police academy together and have worked together since the beginning of their careers.

Holroyd is the inspector general and supervises the Internal Affairs Division as well as the Airport Security Division.

Holroyd began her Sheriff’s Office career in 1983 as a civilian employee and became a sworn law enforcement officer in 1987. She served on road patrol and as a school Resource Officer before beginning a long stint as a detective with the South Florida High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area — a group of law enforcement officers who target the region’s drug-related threats. That work prepared her well for her next role as lieutenant of the Special Operations Division, which also includes narcotics investigations. She has been a captain since 2015 and serves as one of Ramsay’s command staff officers and advisors.

She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a national training program that augments and strengthens law enforcement officer standards and knowledge. She is also a member or board member of a litany of civic and community service groups throughout Monroe County.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Capt. Lee Ann Holroyd, and Director of Professional Standards Robert Allen.

SOS volunteers prepare meals for local residents. CONTRIBUTED

Volunteer Miriam Requate. CONTRIBUTED

As food prices continue to climb, the pantry is seeing a tremendous increase in the number of people requiring assistance. CONTRIBUTED

KEYS WEEKLY

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

THE SCOREBOARD GABRIELA AGUERO

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Sophomore, Key West Tennis

In four matches this season, Key West’s Gabriela Aguero remains undefeated against both Marathon and Coral Shores, making her the undeniable Queen of the Keys Courts. In addition to her unblemished record, Aguero has won the admiration of her teammates and coach, Elliot Manton.

“Gabriela works hard to improve her skill set,” said Manton. “She is always working for ways to have an advantage over her opponent.”

The sophomore sensation is also half of the Conchs’ top doubles team which has chalked up victories Keys-wide. For her drive to be her best, sportsmanship and oncourt savvy, Gabriela Aguero is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Key West sophomore

Gabriela Aguero. TRACY MCDONALD/Keys Weekly

“Not only does she have talent and hard work, but she is a team player and is someone the whole team gets along with.”

— Elliot Manton, Key West tennis coach

KEY WEST SENDS SIX TO STATES

Andre Otto Earns Regional Championship

Coach Chaz Jimenez’s trip to Kissimmee just got a bit more crowded. Three of his Lady Conchs earned a place in the brackets at the FHSAA 1A State Championships on March 2-4, and now three of his boys will join Sheyla Figueira, Ailee Briggs and Shannon Briggs following their performance at their regional wrestling championships.

Joining the inaugural girls’ team qualifiers is Ralph Riche, who entered the contest as the second seed. Riche was caught by surprise in the semis, placing him on a more difficult path to a coveted spot in the state brackets. Undeterred, Riche fought his way back, earning a third-place medal in Region 4 and a place at states. The second qualifying Conch was Abram Canet, who claimed fourth place in the region and a bid to states.

But it would be senior Andre Otto, ranked fourth heading into regionals, who stole the show. Otto wasted no time on the mats, winning four bouts in under 2 minutes in total. Otto’s wins included a forfeit and three pins, the second of which sent home the top seed in just 11 seconds.

There will not be any additional Keys wrestlers joining the Conchs at states this year, but it would be inaccurate to deem Coral Shores’ season anything but successful. Wrestling season may be over for the ’Canes, but the young team looks promising in the coming years. The five regional-qualifying ’Canes – Sebastian McCoy, Finn McDonough, Devin Smith, Jack Hill and Jayden Angel – are all just freshmen.

LAX ACTION HEATS UP Key West Girls on Three-Game Streak

Key West’s girls lacrosse team has a perfect record so far this season. Including a win against Gulliver on Feb. 16, the Conchs are on a threegame winning streak. On Feb. 23, they toppled Westminster Christian 12-4 in The Backyard. Bella Marchiano scored 3 goals and 3 assists in the win. Marchiano also had 8 of the team’s 11 draw controls. Kaitlyn Polito scored 2 goals and an assist. Ada Van Loon and Sophia Felini added 1 goal each and Maria Chaney assisted once. Goalkeeper Courtney Grabus saved 2. Key West forced 16 turnovers against Westminster, keeping the Warriors on the defensive and sealing the victory.

The following evening, it was Palmetto at the mercy of Key West. Chaney scored 5 goals, while Felini added 2 and Van Loon and Ella Baxter each scored 1. Marchiano chalked up 3 assists and Piloto added another in the 10-4 win. Grabus was busy in goal for the Conchs, saving 11, and fellow defender Rachel Owens forced 4 turnovers.

The Lady ’Canes improved their record to 3-1 this week with a pair of wins. The first was a home victory against Coral Reef on Feb. 22. Amelia Perchalski, Shay Stober, Brook El-Koury and Makayla Hann scored in the 6-5 win. On Feb. 24, they traveled to Lourdes Academy, winning 10-8. Perchalski, El-Koury, Sofia Jans, Leyla Ochoa, Edy Kemmer and Iona Holmquist all scored.

In boys lacrosse, Key West played two of their three scheduled games last week, taking on Westminster on Feb. 21 and Coral Reef on the 23rd. A third game against Columbus was canceled. In the Westminster game, Mack Hill scored 1 goal and assisted a Brooks Pellicier goal in the 19-2 loss. Against Coral Reef, Pellicier put 1 in the net. Brody McCandless, Smith Switzer and defender Tate Garr each added 1 for the Conchs in the 8-4 defeat.

Coral Shores played one game last week, falling to Ransom Everglades 12-6. Sully McDonough had 3 of those goals for the Canes plus an assist. Andrew Kumar had a goal and an assist while Matt Patterson and Dominic Gonzalez had a goal apiece. Reece Jahn did a solid job keeping the Hurricanes in the game as he registered 26 saves.

The Coral Shores Lady ’Canes duked it out with Coral Reef on Feb. 22, edging the Barracudas 6-5. Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

Ralph Riche, left, Andre Otto and Abram Canet earned a trip to Kissimmee for the Florida state wrestling championships with their performance at their regional meet. CONTRIBUTED

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald VS

TENNIS MARATHON CORAL SHORES MARCH 8 | 2 p.m.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

PREP SOFTBALL SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENS IN KEYS

Coral Shores and Key West Victorious in Season Openers

Lady Conchs fastpitch started their season off with a 6-1 win against the Academy for Innovative Education on Feb. 25.

Juniors Scarlet Niles and Alexandra Rodriguez had a pair of hits apiece to lead the hitting for Key West. Madelyn Perusse, Miesha Hernandez, Skye Sterling and Alexa Condella each added a hit to their season stats. Nevaeh Arnold earned the win for the Conchs on the mound, striking out 5 in 7 innings of pitching.

Coral Shores fans had a lot to be excited about after their home opener against Somerset South Homestead on Feb. 24. Senior Kailee Reinoso made the switch from shortstop to pitcher this season and made the most of her debut in the circle. Reinoso faced just 12 batters in the mercy-rule win, striking out 5.

Offensively, Reinoso went 3-3 at the plate. Also perfect at bat were freshman Ivy Tiedemann and sophomore Abby Vogt, who both went 2-2. Alondra Apolinaro, Mackenzie Baker, Chloe Stanley and Melissa Perez also registered hits and in addition to solid baserunning, the ’Canes were good for 17 runs in the win. Defensively, sophomore Sofia Sgroi helped seal the win with an incredible play from right field, throwing out a runner on first.

Head coach Lesa Bonee was pleased with her team’s first game, especially under their unique circumstances this season.

CONCH BATS ABLAZE IN PAIR OF WINS

Key West, Marathon Remain Unbeaten

Westminster Academy made the trip to Key West to take on the Conchs at Rex Weech Field in a pair of games Feb. 24 and 25. Jacob Burnham got the start on the mound on the 24th, fanning 5 in 4 innings. Andris Barroso closed out the final 3 for the win. Jack Haggard and Wyatt Kuhn had the hot bats for the Conchs with 2 hits each. Jose Perdigon, Noah Burnham, Anthony Lariz, Michael Greenberg and Caden Pichardo registered 1 hit each to make 9 for the Conchs. The game was tied up until the fifth inning, during which Key West took advantage of several Westminster mistakes. A 9-run rally ensued, securing the 12-5 win for Key West.

Saturday night was more of the same for the Conchs. Felix Ong went 5 innings on the mound, striking out 9. Marlin Takovich finished the job for Key West, fanning 3 to end the 10-0 shutout. The Conchs collected 10 hits, led by Haggard, who went 3-4 at the plate, driving in 5 runs with a triple and 2 singles. Perdigon was 3-3 with a double and a pair of singles. JD Dowling, Lariz, Greenberg and Pichardo each added a hit to their stats in the game.

Marathon played Ransom Everglades at home on Feb. 24, winning 12-7. Gavin Leal led the team with a pair of hits and 3 RBIs for the Fins. Gabe Leal, Aidan Gonzalez, Micah Sauders and Ryan Yablon each added a hit. Dylan Ziels started on the mound for Marathon, striking out 13 over 5 innings. Ryan Yablon closed out the final 2, sealing the win for Marathon.

“Seven out of our nine starters are playing new positions and three of our starting nine have never played fastpitch softball,” she explained. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am excited to see how we develop.”

Marathon lost its season opener to Lourdes Academy on the road on Feb. 23. The Bobcats outscored the Fins 11-8 despite solid hitting from the Dolphins. Elena Eubank had 3 hits, including a triple to lead the scoring effort. Sage Brown, Maeve Merryman, Sara Robinson and Madelyn Thornton each had 2 hits and Dani Perdomo had 1. Senior Allison Garcia struck

In Upper Keys action, Coral Shores dropped a close 4-2 contest against ABF Academy on Feb. 21 before traveling to Miami to play the 7A Buccaneers of South Dade High School on Feb. 23. Steel Mientkiewicz had a double, while Andrew Putetti and Campbell Lavoie had singles for the ’Canes in a 13-1 loss.

out 8 batters over 6 innings in the loss.

The Coral Shores softball team’s bats came alive in their home opener, a 17-1 romp over Somerset Academy South Homestead on Feb. 24.

Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com.

The Coral Shores Hurricanes battle ABF Academy on Feb. 21. The ’Canes dropped a low-scoring affair to the Bandits, 4-2. Photos by JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com

INDULGE IN SEAFOOD

Annual Islamorada festival brings samplings & art show

Seafood cuisine and an art show will take to Islamorada’s Old Highway and Morada Way Arts & Cultural District on Sunday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organized by the Islamorada Moose Lodge, the 6th annual Islamorada Seafood & Art Show brings seafood samplings, entertainment and more. Islamorada’s top restaurants and caterers will offer some of their dishes, while some of the best fish dip will enter a contest for bragging rights.

Dan & The Coconut Cowboys and Pasta & The Lower Mat Cats will take to the stage throughout the festival. DJ Wood will also be on hand. There will

be local craft beers, dog-friendly stations, art vendors and a 50/50 raffle.

The annual festival usually sees 2,000 to 3,000 people enjoying everything from shrimp and seafood stew to bacon-wrapped scallops. Admission to the festival is a $5 donation. Proceeds benefit Moose charities and scholarships for Coral Shores students.

More information is at islamoradaseafoodfestival.com.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Vendor tents line Old Highway during the 5th annual Islamorada Seafood & Art Show in 2022.

BRIEFLY

Beware of unlicensed asphalt pavers

A Monroe County Building Department Unlicensed Contractor Investigator cited an unlicensed asphalt paver who paved a business driveway without the owner’s permission and demanded payment from the company with a bogus contract. The county investigator cited the asphalt company with a $1,500 fine.

“The public needs to know that there are people out there who will try and extort money out of unsuspecting customers,” said Monroe County Building Official Rick Griffin.

Monroe County requires all property owners or licensed contractors to pull a permit for things like paving and asphalt. If you feel you are being targeted by an unlicensed contractor in unincorporated Monroe County, call 305-289-2516.

Keys Orchid Club hosts plant sale

The Florida Keys Orchid, Fern & Bromeliad Society is hosting a large plant sale on Tuesday, March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Key Largo Civic Club, MM 99, oceanside. Proceeds from the plant sale and raffles will go to Save the

Children, a nonprofit doing vital work in Ukraine and in Turkey and Syria following the aftermath of the recent earthquakes.

Habitat Cocktail Party committee finalizes plans

The event committee for Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys (pictured) recently met at the Habitat Restore to finalize plans for their upcoming 20th annual Cocktail Party on March 10. The Las Vegas-themed party is being held at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada and will feature food stations, unlimited beer and wine, dancing, and gaming tables using special Habitat “chips,” along with live and silent auctions. For ticket and table reservations, visit habitatupperkeys.com/lasvegas2023 or call 305-453-0050.

MARKING THE DANGEROUS FLORIDA REEF

LIGHTSHIP CAESAR FACED HARDSHIPS AT SEA

Before the skeletal, ironpile lighthouses began to mark the Florida Reef, there were lightships. These were two-masted schooners equipped with lanterns and anchored out near the reef line to aid mariners in navigating hazardous waters.

BRAD BERTELLI

is an author, speaker, Florida Keys historian and Honorary Conch.

His latest book, “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume 1,” shares fascinating glimpses into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the Florida Keys.

Several lightships were employed off the coast of the Florida Keys, including those stationed at the Dry Tortugas, Sand Key and Key West. There were also two lightships anchored off of Key Largo at Carysfort Reef –though not simultaneously.

Carysfort Reef is several miles offshore of North Key Largo and quickly developed a reputation as a particularly treacherous tract of coral. The inherent danger it presented was one of the reasons it became one of the first reefs marked after the Florida Reef, the Keys, East Florida and West Florida became an official U.S. possession in 1821.

The lightship Caesar was the first two-masted schooner assigned to Carysfort Reef. The Caesar was built from the 1821 design by Henry Eckford after Congress approved $20,000 for its construction in 1824. By June 1825, the lightship had been completed, manned and was sailing for Key West, where its newly appointed captain, John Whalton, was waiting for it to arrive. The wait proved longer than expected.

The lightship sailed from New York on June 7. Two days later, it sailed into a gale and was wrecked on the Florida coast between Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach. The captain and crew established a tent on the nearby beach where they were stranded for eight days before being rescued by Captain Churchill of the small schooner Good Intentions and delivered to Savannah, Georgia, on June 22.

Before they abandoned the ship and sailed away on the Good Intentions, the lightship’s captain left a note of “abandonment” on board the vessel and removed all of its sails. The message contained the time and date of their departure, because 12 hours after the ship was abandoned, it was salvaged by a wrecking crew from Cape Florida (Key Biscayne). The wreckers refloated the vessel and safely moored it in 24 feet of water after shifting the ballast around. The wrecker then set sail for Key West to acquire sails to refit the lightship.

When the Caesar arrived in Key West, repairs were made, a crew established and provisions loaded onto the ship. Ten months after the lightship wrecked along the Florida coast, Whalton sailed the Caesar up the Florida Keys and anchored inside of Key Largo’s Carysfort Reef at a convenient anchorage called Turtle Harbor, where the lanterns were first lit on April 15, 1826.

The future of the Caesar would not be smooth sailing or, in this case, smooth anchoring.

Ten months into their tenure at Turtle Harbor, one of Whalton’s crew decided he no longer wanted to be on the ship and staged a bit of a mutiny — or at least that is what contemporary newspaper accounts labeled his actions. When the crew member refused to follow his captain’s orders, Whalton placed him in irons. After the prisoner was secured, it was discovered that in addition to refusing to do as he was told, he was responsible for breaking the lightship’s alarm bell. The offender was placed aboard the Revenue cutter Marion, transported to Charleston and tried for his crimes.

Trouble on the lightship would not end with the arrest of the mutinous crew member during the Caesar’s relatively short career marking Carysfort Reef. A letter written by Whalton dated June 10, 1827, and delivered

to W. Pinkney, the Collector of Customs at Key West, revealed a tragedy that took the lives of two of his crew.

Apparently, casks of fresh water were not regularly delivered to the lightship or, at the very least, not reliably delivered, and it was necessary for Whalton to send his crew off to fill their empty casks. The “Boat,” crewed by Hans Hansen and Thomas VanPelt, left the Caesar to fill five 60-gallon barrels and “Beakers” on June 5.

On June 10, the “Boat” was discovered “sunk with the sails set” by Captain Loft, who salvaged the vessel and returned it to Whalton. In a letter written to Pinkney, Whalton stated: “I hope the people are not lost. But I have but little hopes of them. Capt. Loft has been good enough to deliver me the boat & articles found. I hope you will satisfy him for the trouble as the Boat was lying on the bottom in two fathoms water. I am now bad off from the wants for Boat & water casks. You will excuse the short letter as the Capt. is in haste & I have one of my fingers cut so bad that I can’t write.”

The ship would not fare much better. In only a handful of years, the Caesar, too, would be lost. In 1829, Whalton ordered the anchors brought in, employed the schooner’s sails and set a course for Key West (and not for the first time). On May 26, 1829, the Caesar arrived in Key West for repairs. After a survey of the ship, the Collector of Customs, Pinkney, remarked that the Caesar’s timbers were “an entire mass of dry rot and fungus. I must say that there never was a grosser imposition practiced than by the contractor in this instance.”

A day or two later, the Caesar was condemned. It would not be the last lightship stationed at the dangerous Carysfort Reef. Next week, we will explore the story of Caesar’s replacement, the lightship Florida.

1821 lightship design by Henry Eckford. U.S. LIGHTSHIP SOCIETY/Contributed

FAMILY STRONG FOR 50 YEARS

ISLAMORADA HARDWARE STORE CELEBRATES GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

This year marks Dixie Aluminum’s 50th year in business. Reaching a golden anniversary isn’t easy these days, especially being a family-owned and -operated business since the beginning.

Recently, the Keys Weekly sat down with managers and siblings Leah Stavor and Daniel Michael. They, along with their mother, owner Cindy Gray, are the second- and third-generation family members who operate the store, located at MM 88.5 in Islamorada.

“Business is good — we are busy,” Stavor said. “And we just laid a concrete slab on the side that we are excited about. The side yard was a dirt pit with mulch and big bag items. So, we wanted to put concrete to create more space. One of our 2023 upgrades of the year so far.”

taire in the back on the computer. He still wanted the experience of talking to his root customers.”

Their dad, Bob Michael, ran it when they were kids until he retired. As a teenager, Stavor worked on Sundays for a half-day, which was a family workday.

“I did that for a long time,” she said. “Then grandpa Phil passed in 2000, and grandma Molly passed in 2015 at 94. Grandma was pretty involved towards the end.”

Stavor said Daniel, her brother, came back to the store before her when he was 18.

“After a while he said, ‘I need help,’ and I said I was open to changing careers. Now, I work here part-time as I have two young boys. Daniel’s ambitious — I’m proud of him and everything he has done with the store.”

Michael said it was always in the back of his mind that he would take it over.

“We were brought up to assume that, and I started working in the store at 15. I always thought, ‘I could do this one day,’” he said. “I just started sooner than I had thought.”

Dixie Aluminium’s story began when Phil and Molly Michael came to the Florida Keys to see their friends on vacation. They drove by the hardware store and saw it was for sale. Back home, something came up with Phil’s work, which led to a conversation to see if they could buy the hardware store.

“They purchased it in 1973 and lived on the property as it originally had a two-bed, two-bath apartment,” Stavor said. “After a while, my grandparents bought a house in Tavernier and used that space for more inventory. My grandmother had a frame shop that included framing and artist jewelry; then grandpa took it over for retail space.

“It’s the original structure and was here before the Summer Seas condos across the street, so you could see the bay,” Stavor continues. “It’s neat to see the pictures, as it was one of the original buildings in this area. Initially, you would come up to the counter, and my grandpa would get what you wanted from all the little drawers. Now it’s self-service.”

Stavor remembers, “Some early memories of grandpa Phil is that even when he retired, he would come in from 9 to 11 a.m. and play soli-

Even though their mom, Cindy, is not on the floor with the customers, she is still involved as president of the business. Stavor refers to her as their “voice of reason and overseer.”

The name, Dixie Aluminum, came about from their specialization in aluminum and the name of the Keys’ main road – South Dixie Highway, before everyone knew it as U.S. 1. The business is part of the True Value family, which helps them with purchasing and procurement. True Value is a main supplier, and Dixie Aluminum has been with them since the ’80s.

“Our big thing is the customer service,” Stavor said. “We always try to have the best service we can possibly give (the public). Our team is seven people strong, and we have associates who have been with us for a long time.”

“We are personable, and we care about the community.” Michael added.

The local hardware store does aluminum jobs, from screens, shutters, enclosures and cuts on the spot. The store also has a marine section, plumbing section, electrical supplies and a lot of paint options, including custom match paint.

“In addition to basic hardware supplies and tools, we do a lot of custom orders for stuff

that people can’t find in other places. We have welders here, and we can come out to meet with you to work on things such as gates and other custom things. We are working with someone who is doing custom boat trailers, so it’s fun to see,” Stavor said.

As for continuing the business into the fourth generation, Stavor said, “I would love to keep it in the family if my kids, Cameron, who is 1-1/2, or Julian, who’s 3, wants to take it over. My twin sister, Sara, has two daughters, or if Daniel has kids someday. But if they don’t want to, it’s fine too.”

Michael adds, “We are here because the community keeps us going, and we want to ensure we have what they need. That for me is what’s pivotal for us to continue.”

“It’s special to live in a place that supports us,” Stavor said. “It’s a blessing, a big blessing, and continues to be a blessing. The business has adapted, changed and grown, and we hope grandpa is proud of us.”

On Saturday, March 4, Dixie Aluminum is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a party to say “thank you” to the community. True Value is partnering on the celebration, offering special deals and discounts such as buy one, get one free on paint and other specials, food, clowns, balloons and raffles. The celebration is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dixie Aluminum owners Phil and Molly Michael with twin granddaughters Leah and Sara. CONTRIBUTED

Dixie Aluminum’s original building in Islamorada still remains. CONTRIBUTED

Dixie Aluminum was purchased by Phil and Molly Michael in 1973. CONTRIBUTED

The Dixie Aluminum family of Daniel Michael, Leah Stavor, Cindy Gray and Cameron. CONTRIBUTED

Treasure Village Montessori’s junior basketball team members wear medals following a first-place finish at the Florida Special Olympics on Feb. 25 in Tavares.

CONTRIBUTED

ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

Treasure Village Montessori basketball team crowned champs at Special Olympics

Eight middle school basketball players making up Treasure Village Montessori’s junior team wore their gold medals around school following their first-place finish at the Florida Special Olympics in Tavares on Feb. 25.

For TVM principal and coach Kelly Mangel, the moment was memorable for the Sea Dragons team composed of four athletes with disabilities and four partners who work with them on the court. It was the first time in Monroe County’s history that a basketball team competed at the Special Olympics. And it was the first time a county basketball team came back champions. The Sea Dragons won the first game, 32-29, on Feb. 24 and followed up with a 28-22 victory in the second game on Feb. 25 to take the championship.

“For me, the best moment was watching the partners work together to ensure each athlete had a shot,” Mangel said. “There are three athletes and two partners on the court at a time. The partners were boxing out so the athletes could keep shooting. It was neat to see.”

Before heading off to competition, the team was showered with cheers and chants from Treasure Village Montessori students and staff on Feb. 23. Following a round of high-fives with fellow students, the team hopped on a bus for an eight-hour drive. Mangel drove the team to competition.

Mangel said the basketball team were excited when they arrived at The Big House, the large NBA-like venue with nine hardwood courts. But there were questions from her team over the competition and uncertainty if they’d even have a chance to win.

TVM STUDENT OFF TO STATE SPELLING BEE

Sixth-grader Jacobo Guiterrez is preparing for a big spelling test on March 15. Studying more than 2,000 words, the Treasure Village Montessori student will square off against 25 other spellers in the 83rd annual Miami Herald Spelling Bee.

“They were a little intimidated by the size of the other players. But they had pride and resiliency,” Mangel said. “We were the small and mighty team.

“The partners were compassionate and patient with the athletes,” Mangel continued. “When the team won, they all jumped up and down and screamed. It was amazing.”

Mangel said she always had a passion for the Special Olympics and working with students with special needs. Before she was a principal, she helped teach students with special needs.

At TVM, Mangel said they don’t have a self-contained classroom for the special needs students. They interact and bond with the rest of the student body throughout the school day.

“It really helps increase awareness and acceptability within the daily lives of students on campus. It’s important,” Mangel said.

TVM isn’t new to the Special Olympics. Three years ago, the school started a unified track team and won district competition. The COVID pandemic prevented them from competing at states. TVM also has a unified bocce team that’s set to play on Big Pine Key this weekend. The track team will compete in Collier County in April.

TVM’s basketball team included Reef Bennett, Ian Ward, Gordon Gomila, Anthony Riesgo, John Oughton, Dominik Jimenez, Alexandria Burson and Liam Bursa.

“We really didn’t know what to expect, but they pulled through and made us all proud,” Mangel said.

If Gutierrez wins the spelling bee, he will be on his way to Washington, D.C., along with 200 spellers across the country, for the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28.

Kelly Mangel, TVM principal, said Gutierrez won the first round of competition by coming out the top speller at school. A second round saw Gutierrez taking an online spelling test, which more than 150 students were taking across South Florida. Gutierrez made it out of the second round.

Mangel said Gutierrez comes from a family of serious spellers. His sister, Gabriella, won the TVM spelling bee during her fourth- and fifth-grade years.

“He’s dedicated and wants to do well,” Mangel said. “He literally goes home and studies every day.”

Treasure Village

Montessori’s junior basketball team. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Jacobo Gutierrez, sixth-grade student at Treasure Village Montessori, is preparing for the Miami Herald Spelling Bee on March 15. TREASURE VILLAGE MONTESSORI/Contributed

SHOPPING & SCHOLARSHIPS

ROTARY

CLUB’S

GIGANTIC NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET ATTRACTS THOUSANDS

Thousands of shoppers visited Founders Park in Islamorada, in search of fishing rods, paintings, sun shirts and more at the 28th Gigantic Nautical Flea Market on Feb 25-26. Organized by the Upper Keys Rotary Club, the shopping extravaganza also featured hundreds of vendors and 18 food trucks dishing out burgers, fish sandwiches, tacos, iced treats and other cuisine. Area boat dealers parked some of their finest marine machines at the front of the park and by the beach for patrons to view. Drink booths and beverage carts were busy dishing out Islamorada Brewery & Distillery spirits, rum punch and the famous Bloody Mary. Proceeds from the event — the total wasn’t available by press time — support college or technical education through scholarships.

— Jim McCarthy

Crafts made out of wood and other materials on sale.

Rotarians and Coral Shores students greet patrons at the entrance.

Upper Keys Rotarians Joe Molinaro, left, Jill Miranda Baker and Bobby Dube at the beer tent.

A flea market-goer walks away with a large painting.

Rob Stober, Upper Keys Rotary Club president, and Courtney Conley, new Rotarian, are ready to dish out the drinks.

Volunteer Jason Richards pours an ice-cold beverage.

BARTENDERS TAKE TO THE SEA

WHISTLE STOP TEAM WINS SAILFISH OPEN

Seventy bartenders and restaurant employees representing 15 different bars took to the ocean for the 42nd annual Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open on Jan. 30. In total, teams participating in the fish tournament released 24 sailfish.

Angler Trevor Bennett, with team Whistle Stop, released four sailfish on the Contagious with Capt. Brian Cone to help his team win the Bartenders Sailfish Open perpetual trophy, which hasn’t hung on the Whistle Stop wall since 1999. Jackie Bohannon and Lauren Johnson also fished aboard the Contagious. The team took home a check for $1,500 in memory of Trapper John, a long time participant of the tournament.

With lines in at 8:30 a.m., Cone called in a hookup. It took Bennett only two minutes to wind in his first-ever sailfish. Reel McCoy fishing with Chef Rolf’s Tuna’s team released the second fish of the tournament, and minutes later for angler Justin Beauregard. Barbara Steller, who fished for Robbie’s aboard the Dirty Boat 2.0, and Skyler McGarry fishing aboard the Broad Minded for Dillon’s, both released a sail before 9 a.m.

By noon, Ann Jenkins from the Green Turtle, Megan Simpson from Square Grouper, Brandy Albright from Old Tavernier, Andy McGrotha from Islamorada Wind Co. and Osmaro Alvarenga from Shipwrecks released sailfish to put their teams on the board.

Shortly after noon, Christina Moreno released a second fish for the Whistle Stop, followed by a second release for Shipwrecks for angler Richard Trachuk. Islamorada Wine Company’s angler Morgan Beaton released their team’s second fish over 10 minutes later. Katie McCormick, who fished aboard the Tiki for Lorelei, released her first sail just minutes later. Vice Versa Capt. Sammy Milazzo called in the team’s second release for Simpson with Square Grouper.

Cone won the Outstanding Captain award and mate Justin Matson took home the Outstanding Mate award with the team’s five releases. Bennett won first-place angler with four releases and a Lisa Lee gyotaku from Gallery of the Arts. His name will be engraved on the JayAnna Cohan founder’s award and he received a check for $500.

Simpson’s two releases and one for Ellie Leopold also fishing with anglers Katie Scheu, Valerie Perez, James Pratt, Kenny Sagan and Thomas Frickie took second-place bar awards

for the Square Grouper and a check for $1,000. Simpson received the secondplace angler award.

Third-place anglers Omar Alvarenga, Amanda Mitcheltree, Ronald Perrine, Doug Krieger, Carrie Allstop and Richard Trachuk, all fishing with Capt. Dustin Hansel aboard the Two Reel took home third-place bar awards and a check for $500 with two releases on time. Third-place angler was Justin Beauregard with one release on time for Chef Rolf’s Tunas. Barbara Steller won fourth-place angler for her one release.

“My favorite part of this tournament is that we have so many anglers who catch and release their first sailfish,” said tournament director Dianne Harbaugh. “The reason JayAnna Cohan started this tournament was because she loved to sailfish and she wanted others to have the same opportunity.”

— Contributed

Whistle Stop celebrates a first-place finish in the 42nd annual Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open. CONTRIBUTED

Square Grouper staff celebrate a secondplace finish. CONTRIBUTED

Third-place Shipwrecks. CONTRIBUTED

HIGHLY-REGARDED PIANIST DEREK WANG PERFORMS IN THE KEYS

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.

The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:

Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 18, 2023 , and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecounty-fl.gov/bids).

For more information, please call the TDC Administrative Office at: 305-296-1552, and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

ASTA KRASKOUSKAS www.keysweekly.com

Florida Keys Concert Association’s guest was piano soloist Derek Wang during performances on Feb. 13 at Marathon High School and Feb. 14 at Coral Shores High School.

Seen and Heard International describes Wang’s performance as “consummate virtuosity ... moments of almost unbearable simplicity in the slow movements ... pure poetry.”

Wang, whose parents listened to classical music constantly, started to show interest in his piano at age 5.

In 2020, Wang partnered to launch American Stories, a podcast series that examines and celebrates American identity through music in performance, illuminated by personal histories.

Through the concert, Wang engaged with the audience, explaining every piece he played.

Wang’s concert could be described as a poetic music experience of two worlds. The first half of the concert was a celebration of music, of our inner desire, of a fantasy. He played “Fantasia” (Capriccio) in C major of F. J. Haydn, “7 Fantasias” of J. Brahms, and “Valse” from Gounod’s Faust of Franz.

The third piece kept the audience in silence and awe. It was almost like everyone was present at the scene when Faust falls in love with the beautiful peasant girl Marguerite, while the devil whispers in Faust’s ears to give away his soul to gain the freedom of youth and knowledge.

After the first half of the concert,

Cynthia Finamore, a season ticket holder, said, “(I) loved the past piece (Valse from Faust). (Wang is) skilled at the piano. Gives a real idea how to understand the music. He understands (it) so deeply. When we listen, we never think that way. Excellent interpretation. Makes music more meaningful”.

The second half dealt with commemoration and transcendence, with everyone’s shared experience of the last two years of the pandemic and the losses we all have experienced.

Wang played Piano Sonata No. 2, by F. Chopin, Nocturne No. 13 by G. Faure, and Piano Concerto No. 1, Totentanz (Dance of the Dead) by F. Liszt.

The third movement of the Piano Sonata No. 2 was the well-known “Funeral March.” As the pianist explained, “Music speaks eloquently. Chopin invited us to a very vulnerable place. The sense of loss. Everyone has a different personal relationship to the experience of loss. The music leaves us room for everyone to experience it. All the arts explore transcendence. Don’t think (that this piece is) just dark music. (The movement has) hope for the living”.

The last piece of the Dance of the Dead refers to a long tradition in the visual arts. Death, personified as a skeleton, comes for all, from the greatest to the lowest.

Cynthia Arsenault, a season ticket holder of many years, said, “Derek orients us, gives us a context to understand music better, and does it in an entertaining way. Very experiential. It (the concert) is a treat.”

Derek Wang is known for his ability to speak about music to various audiences. In 2020, he partnered to launch American Stories, a podcast series. CONTRIBUTED

NOOCH

Nooch is a 5-year-old male. A Siamese mix, he’s neutered, sweet and loves people. But he’s not too fond of other cats. If you would like to make Nooch a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give the Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

RETIREMENT FLIGHT

SANCTUARY’S ‘FRED’ THE PARROT GETS A FOND FAREWELL FROM THE PUBLIC EYE

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”

There is a very special event happening on Saturday, March 4 at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. As some of you may know, their beloved “Fred” was diagnosed with heart disease at the tail end of 2022, which is quite common with older Amazon parrots. Though she is feeling much better on her new medications, they have made the decision to permanently retire Fredricka from education programs and her display enclosure at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. She is happily spending her days at the Mission Wild Bird Hospital in the staff offices and making evening field trips to the intern house for sleepovers.

To celebrate her 35-plus years of making guests laugh, they are throwing Fred a retirement party. One of Fred’s favorite things to do is to watch movies with the interns, so they will be hosting a screening of her favorite film, “Jurassic Park.” Everyone is welcome to come and wish her a happy retirement and celebrate her career surrounded by her friends, admirers and caretakers. This will be Fred’s last public event, so make sure you make plans to attend.

Join them on Saturday, March 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctu-

Fred the parrot was recently diagnosed with heart disease at the end of 2022. Fred is set to have a retirement party with the public on Saturday, March 4. CONTRIBUTED

ary in Tavernier for drinks, snacks and parrot chatter. They will have a popcorn machine and soft drinks available, but request everyone to bring their own lawn chairs. The ground is gravel and concrete, so blankets will not be very comfortable. The movie will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.

I have a bit of an update on Purdy, the dog that my mom took in a few weeks ago after her family couldn’t take her into their new home. She had a pre-surgical consultation with veterinarian Michael Claudio in Key Largo and dental surgery is scheduled for March 7. Her mouth is severely infected and if we don’t get some of her teeth removed, that infection will eventually kill her. Sad, I know.

This surgery is going to cost between $500 to $1,500, depending on how many teeth need to be removed. So if any of my dedicated readers would like to make a donation to Pawsitive Beginnings, you can send a check to P.O. Box 1165, Tavernier, FL 33070. I know my mom would appreciate it since she wasn’t expecting such a big expense.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Check us out at pawsitivebeginnings.org where you can find links to all of our social media channels.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Thursday, March 2

• Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions on war crimes at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library. Discussion includes a brief video on the topic, then discussion on the most critical global issues facing America.

March 2-4

• The Key Players’ “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” performance at Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo. Information and tickets are at thekeyplayers.org.

Friday, March 3

• First Friday Outdoor Concert Series featuring Reckless Saints (folk,

blues, twang) at 6 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Islamorada’s Beats on the Bay music series welcomes Pure Heart and Tom Petty Band Tribute at 6:30 p.m. at Founders Park.

Saturday, March 4

• 11th annual Swords & Tails Seaside Soiree at 6 p.m. at The College of the Florida Keys’ Upper Keys Center. Visit cfk.edu for more information.

Sunday, March 5

• Islamorada Moose Lodge Seafood Festival & Art Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.

Tuesday, March 7

• Islamorada Nature Walks & Talks at 8:30 a.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve, Mile Marker 81.2, Islamorada. Class is $8. Call 305-853-1685 to reserve your spot.

Wednesday, March 8

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Schedule is at justolderyouthinc.org.

Thursday, March 9

• Adult Art program: Paint a birdhouse or a lighthouse at 2 p.m at Key Largo library. Supplies are limited, registration encouraged. Email keylargolib@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

Friday, March 10

• Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ 20th annual Cocktail Party, with a Las Vegas theme, at 6:30 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Key Largo. Tickets are $225 each. Visit habitatupperkeys. org/lasvegas2023 for tickets and more information.

Wednesday, March 15

• Second annual Community Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

REPRESENTS KEYS AND SOUTH FLORIDA

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) was sworn in to a second term in Congress on Feb. 24 at the historic San Carlos Institute in Key West. He was joined by local elected officials, students and members of the Florida Keys Community.

“I truly am so proud to represent Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys in the Halls of Congress. From Sweetwater to Homestead to Key Largo to Islamorada and from Marathon to right at the San Carlos Institute in Key West, it has been a true honor to get to meet you all and work together on the issues that we care so deeply about,” Gimenez said.

“You see my story, like that of so many in South Florida, is deeply intertwined with the history of this community. In fact, my grandfather, a jai-alai player, and my American grandmother honeymooned in Key West. They would have never, ever imagined that their grandson would one day come to represent Key West in the U.S. Congress of all places.”

Gimenez serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China. He represents Florida’s 28th Congressional District based in MiamiDade County and the Florida Keys. Gimenez is the former mayor of Miami-Dade County and currently the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress.

U.S. Rep. Gimenez is sworn in for his second term, with his wife Lourdes by his side. CONTRIBUTED

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, right, and his wife Lourdes join Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl at Gimenez’s swearing-in in Key West on Feb. 24. CONTRIBUTED

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of BP CLEANING SERVICES located at 102 Caribbean Ave., Monroe County in the City of Tavernier, Florida 33070, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Tavernier, Florida this 23rd day of February, 2023.

By: Barbara Wong

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Orchid Arrangements by Yuya located at 20 Jean La Fitte Dr., Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Manatee Wave LLC

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

MEETING NOTICE

QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE:

LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION

DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, March 3, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Tiffany Albury at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305)592-1452 ext. 121 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish:

February 16 & 23 and March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION

DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be hosting a public hearing on Friday, March 3, 2022 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

This public hearing is open to community members who would like to present or discuss any comments related to the transportation disadvantaged. We welcome you to attend! Persons should contact the HCSF staff 48 hours in advance if they are interested in commenting.

The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment.

Any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Tiffany Albury at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 121 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

LEGAL NOTICES

Publish:

February 16 & 23 and March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., at the Doubletree Key West Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040. The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting.

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 2924441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business, who shall represent the general public, and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This means no direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon tourism.)

Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is Friday, March 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V)

(From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business, who shall represent the general public, and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying.

(The operative word within this description is directly. This means no direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon tourism).

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com.

LEGAL NOTICES

Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council

1201 White Street, Suite 102

Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is Friday, March 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH

NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT

HEARING

SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-481

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Location: City Hall Annex, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2023-481], entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER

2, ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 2-86, 2-88, AND 2-93 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH RELATED TO MEETINGS OF THE CITY COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF FOUND TO BE IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEAL, AND CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

To be published: On or before March 6th, 2023

City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF MARATHON

Notice of Finding of No

Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request a

Release of Funds

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO

SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST

RELEASE OF FUNDS

March 1, 2023

City of Marathon 9805 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0033

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Marathon.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about March 20, 2023, the City of Marathon will submit a request to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for the release of Community

funds

LEGAL NOTICES

under Title I of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as Infrastructure Repair Program for the purpose of hardening the City's wastewater infrastructure making it more resistant to the impacts of another hurricane such as Hurricane Irma. The locations for the project are at (5) different treatment plants in the City of Marathon. Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are included in this project with addresses as follows: Area 3 WWTP - 4095 Overseas Hwy; Area 4 WWTP - 140 Sombrero Beach Rd; Area 5 WWTP - 10685 Overseas Hwy; Area 5 Vac Station - 7280 Overseas Hwy; Area 6 WWTP - 100 Avenue I; Area 7 WWTP - 59255 Overseas Hwy. Work to be completed includes: Install Electrical Upgrades for five (5) WWTP; Install Vacuum Monitoring System for five (5) WWTP; Construction a Service Area Flood Wall for WWTP Area 6.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT

IMPACT

The City of Marathon has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at The City of Marathon 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M to 4 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Grants Coordinator, Maria Covelli at covellim@ci.marathon.fl.us. All comments received by March 20, 2023 will be considered by the City of Marathon prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Marathon certifies to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Luis Gonzalez in his capacity as Mayor consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Marathon to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Marathon’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Marathon;

(b) the City of Marathon has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Office of Long Term Resiliency at 107 E Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Potential objectors should

contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to verify the actual last day of the objection period.Luis Gonzalez, Mayor

Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

Ciudad de Maratón

Aviso de hallazgo de no impacto significativo y Aviso de intención de solicitar una liberación de fondos AVISO DE CONSTATACIÓN DE QUE NO HAY IMPACTO SIGNIFICATIVO Y AVISO DE INTENCIÓN DE SOLICITAR LA LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS Marzo 1, 2023 Ciudad de Maratón 9805 Autopista de Ultramar Maratón, FL 33050 305.743.0033 Estos avisos deberán cumplir con dos requisitos de procedimiento separados pero relacionados para las actividades que llevará a cabo la Ciudad de Maratón.

SOLICITUD DE LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS Alrededor del 20 de Marzo de 2023, la Ciudad de Marathon presentará una solicitud al Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de la Florida para la liberación de la Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario –Fondos de mitigación bajo el Título I de la Ley de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario (HCD) Act of 1974 , según enmendada, para llevar a cabo un proyecto conocido como Programa de Reparación de Infraestructura con el propósito de endurecer la infraestructura de aguas residuales de la Ciudad haciéndola más resistente a los impactos de otro huracán como el huracán. Irma. Las ubicaciones para el proyecto se encuentran en (5) diferentes plantas de tratamiento en la ciudad de Maraton. Las áreas 3, 4, 5, 6 y 7 se incluyen en este proyecto con las siguientes direcciones: Área 3 EDAR - 4095 Overseas Hwy; Área 4 EDAR - 140 Sombrero Beach Rd; Área 5 EDAR - 10685 Overseas Hwy; Área 5 Estación Vac - 7280 Overseas Hwy; Área 6 EDAR - Avenida I 100; Área 7 EDAR59255 Overseas Hwy. El trabajo a completar incluye: Instalar actualizaciones Eléctricas para cinco (5) PTAR; Instalar el sistema de Monitoreo de Vacío para cinco (5) WWTP; Construcción de un muro de inundación del área de servicio para el área 6 WWTP. HALLAZGO DE NO IMPACTO SIGNIFICATIVO La Ciudad de Maratón ha determinado que el proyecto no tendrá un impacto significativo en el medio ambiente humano. Por lo tanto, no se requiere una Declaración de Impacto Ambiental bajo la Ley de Política Ambiental Nacional de 1969 (NEPA). La información adicional del proyecto está contenida en el Registro de Revisión Ambiental (ERR) en el archivo de The City of Marathon 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 y puede examinarse o copiarse de lunes a viernes de 9 A.M. a 4 P.M. COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS Cualquier individuo, grupo o agencia puede enviar comentarios por escrito sobre el ERR a la Coordinadora de Subvenciones, Maria Covelli en covellim@ci.marathon.fl.us.

Todos los comentarios recibidos antes del Marzo 20, 2023 serán considerados por la Ciudad de Maratón antes de autorizar la presentación de una solicitud de liberación de fondos. Los comentarios deben especificar a qué Aviso se CERTIFICACIÓNdirigen.AMBIENTAL

La Ciudad de Maratón certifica al Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de Florida a Luis Gonzalez en su calidad de Alcalde que acepta la jurisdicción de los Tribunales Federales si se presenta una acción para hacer cumplir las responsabilidades en relación con el proceso de revisión ambiental y que estas responsabilidades se han cumplido. La aprobación de la certificación por parte del

Departamento de Oportunidades

Económicas de Florida satisface sus responsabilidades bajo NEPA y las leyes y autoridades relacionadas y permite a la Ciudad de Maratón usar los fondos del OBJECIONESPrograma.

A LA LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS

El Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de la Florida aceptará objeciones a su liberación de fondos y la certificación de la Ciudad de Maratón por un período de quince días después de la fecha de presentación anticipada o su recepción real de la solicitud (lo que sea posterior) solo si se basan en una de las siguientes bases: (a) la certificación no fue ejecutada por el Oficial Certificador de la Ciudad de Maratón; (b) la Ciudad de Maratón ha omitido un paso o no ha tomado una decisión o hallazgo requerido por las regulaciones de HUD en 24 CFR parte 58; (c) el beneficiario de la subvención u otros participantes en el proceso de desarrollo han comprometido fondos, incurrido en costos o emprendido actividades no autorizadas por 24 CFR Parte 58 antes de la aprobación de una liberación de fondos por parte del Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de la Florida; o (d) otra agencia federal que actúe de conformidad con 40 CFR Parte 1504 ha presentado una conclusión por escrito de que el proyecto no es satisfactorio desde el punto de vista de la calidad ambiental. Las objeciones deben prepararse y presentarse de acuerdo con los procedimientos requeridos (24 CFR Parte 58, Sec. 58.76) y deben dirigirse al Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de Florida, Oficina de Resiliencia a Largo Plazo en 107 E Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Los posibles objetores deben comunicarse con el Departamento de Oportunidades Económicas de Florida para verificar el último día real del período de objeción. Alcalde, Luis Gonzalez.

Publish: March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Installation and Maintenance of Aids to Navigation and Regulatory Markers in the Florida Keys Waters within Monroe County Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices.

Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/bids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids electronically. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Mailed/ physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Installation and Maintenance of Aids to Navigation & Regulatory Markers in Florida Keys Waters within Monroe County 4-20-2023

Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum

file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid; waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on April 20, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish:

March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT

POLK COUNTY

SUMMONS (PUBLICATION)

CASE NO. 23CV14

CASE CODE: 30303

LISA MILLER and DAVID J. WING 23225 188th Street, N.W. Big Lake, MN 55309

Plaintiff, v. WEINEGER ENTERPRISES TRUST 132 North Indies Drive Marathon, FL 33050 Defendants.

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, to each person named above as a Defendant:

You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

Within 45 days after February 16, 2023, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: Clerk of Court Polk County Courthouse 1005 W. Main Street, Suite 300 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Plaintiffs’ attorney, whose address is:

Barry C. Lundeen Mudge, Porter, Lundeen & Seguin, SC 110 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016

You may have an attorney represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 45 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 10th day of February, 2023.

MUDGE, PORTER, LUNDEEN & SEGUIN, S.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiffs

By: Barry C. Lundeen

State Bar No. 1011860

Barry.lundeen@mpl-s.com

110 Second Street

P.O. Box 469 Hudson, WI 54016

(715) 386-3200

Publish:

February 16 & 23 and March 2, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NANCY J. MILLER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Nancy J. Miller, deceased, whose date of death was November 25, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: March 2, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Carl E. Miller

305 Sombrero Blvd. Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: March 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 23-CP-52-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAY SCOTT RYLANDER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JAY SCOTT RYLANDER, deceased, whose date of death was January 5, 2023, Case: 23-CP-52-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: March 2, 2023.

Personal Representative:

MICHAEL REPPAS

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service: Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish:

March 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-000015-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM F. PEEL, JR.

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of WILLIAM F. PEEL, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 26, 2022; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 23-CP-000015-P, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served

must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN

THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN THE FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: March 2, 2023.

Personal Representative:

BARBARA K. PEEL

5 Sunset Cay Road

Key Largo, FL 33037

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273

Turner & Lynn, P.A.

7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish: March 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-000016-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF FREDERICK R. FREY, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IS HIRING!

$1000 SIGNON BONUS AFTER 3 MONTHS

SUPPORTED LIVING COACH FULL TIME

Responsibilities include management of developmentally disabled clients in independent living environments, management of office and In Home Support staff. Must be available for some evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in related field or year for year experience working with developmentally disabled clients in lieu of degree. Salary commensurate with experience.

Background screening, current FL driver’s license, and references required. Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary Street, Key West - EOE

NOW HIRING

DIVE INSTRUCTOR TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT GUEST SERVICES MARKETING COORDINATOR PART-TIME LAWN MAINTENANCE

Please contact April at 305.407.3262 or april@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com for more information. 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

The administration of the estate of FREDERICK R. FREY, JR., deceased, whose date of death was January 20, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 23-CP-000016-P, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN THE FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: March 2, 2023.

Personal Representative: HENNY FREY

24 Dockside Lane, PMB 466

Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ.

LEGAL NOTICES

Florida Bar No. 0147273

Turner & Lynn, P.A.

7 Barracuda Lane

Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911

turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish: March 2 & 9, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 23-DR-98-K

DIVISION: FAMILY

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: PETAGAY MEGAN STRONG, Petitioner, and, TRAVIANCE MARQUIS STRONG, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: TRAVIANCE MARQUIS STRONG

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 2729 FLINTLOCK PLACE, EAUSTELL, GA 30106

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on PETAGAY MEGAN STRONG, whose address is 3930 S. ROOSEVELT BLVD., APT 414W, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before March 27, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $38.43/hr. - $43.04/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SCADA/RELAY TECHNICIAN

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on quali cations and experience: $30.64/hr. - $34.32/hr.

For more information, including job duties and required quali cations, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being lled.

these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: February 15, 2023

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By:

Marissa Lockwood

Deputy Clerk

Publish: February 23, March 2, 9 & 16, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS!

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE

2003 Mustang GT Convertible, Manual 5 Speed, Metallic Grey, 40,000 miles, Great Condition, $16,500. Located in Marathon. Call 305-481-3067

Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking provided. $20/foot. 305-928-9057

Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

BOATS FOR SALE

THREE (3) BOATS FOR FREE in Marathon: Regal 35', and two Bayliners 25'. FOR SALE: Pontoon 25' for $500.00 305-610-8002

Place your BOAT FOR SALE ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

EMPLOYMENT

Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Executive Department:

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION (T&D) PROJECT ENGINEER

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $103,172/annually$106,061/annually.

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

JERRY GARCIA FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES ARTWORK TO HISTORY OF DIVING MUSEUM FOR UPCOMING FESTIVAL

guests Tony Saunders and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells. And, don’t miss a special appearance by Peter Agelasto, Jerry Garcia archivist.

Seating will be limited with several options available: Poolside access, dinner by Mona’s Reggae Catering, and admission to the History of Diving Museum is $100 per person. A signed giclee, VIP reserved seating, dinner for 4, poolside access, and a family pass to the History of Diving Museum is $3,000.

There will be a limited number of general admissions available at $35 per person. You can purchase tickets by calling the museum at 305-664-9737, or on the website: divingmuseum.org/events-calendar. The event will be held rain or shine, and if unable to attend, you can view remaining art available for purchase at the museum.

Docked at Key Largo Holiday Inn MM 99 Oceanside

Jerry Garcia in concert. ELLIOT NEWHOUSE/Contributed

EMPLOYMENT HOBBIES/COLLECT

City of Marathon

Current Job Openings: WW Operator/Controls Trainee, Utilities Maintenance, and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or parttime. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@ gmail.com

Immediate openings for experienced plumbers and helpers (with or without experience - we will train the right person). Must have a valid driver's license & clean driving record. Please apply in person at 10700 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerpinc@gmail.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: HCV Specialist, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker), Med Tech, Resident Activities Coordinator, Grounds Caretaker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Customer-Service Oriented Server for the pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a Part-Time Line Cook. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Small friendly staff. Hourly pay commensurate with experience. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

NOW HIRING: Sweet Savannah's is now hiring for multiple positions: Cashier - must be 16 yrs or older, Full-time Baker & Part-time Baker's Assistant. Stop by for an application at 8919 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email: info@ sweetsavannahs.com

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here for $25. 00 /week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

BASEBALL AND SPORTS MEMORABILIA WANTED. Private collector buying sports cards, old programs, pennants, autographs, photographs, ticket stubs, bobbin’ head dolls, etc. Call Alan 503-481-0719

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

Place your HOBBIES/ COLLECTABLES ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

HOUSING FOR RENT

2 Bedroom 1 Bath in Marathon. Tile, carpet, appliances, gated property. No pets. $2500/mo. + water & sewer. Electric included. Available March. 305-610-8002

LUXURY CONDO FOR RENT IN MARATHON. 2 BR, 2 Bath, Den. 1650 sq ft plus 350 sq ft open balcony. Beautiful water view. Full gym, pool, tennis, fishing. Adults only. No pets. $4250 per month plus utilities F/L/S [first, last, and security deposit]. 800-324-6982.

HOUSING FOR RENT LONG TERM Key Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3200/ month 786-258-3127

Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

RV FOR SALE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent/Temporary Gift Shop positions that involve direct contact with our visitors & is another opportunity to ensure they leave DRC with a happy & positive experience. Some of the duties involve; being familiar with all merchandise in the selling area, suggest specific merchandise & offer product advise. Walk around the grounds and see dolphins every day.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

RV FOR SALE - 2017 Thor Citation RV, 24ft Mercedes V6 Diesel, 2 slides, Cummings Diesel Generator, Low Mileage, Many Upgrades, Call Richard 305-363-8021

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV Site for rent in Marathon. Up to 35', private gated property. $1.500/mo + utilities. Dockage availableinquire for price. 305-928-9057

Place your RV SITE FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: 29575 Cupon Rd, Big Pine Key | Friday, March 3 & Saturday, March 4, 9am to 1pm both days | MULTIMEMBER FAMILY ESTATE SALE of lifelong Floridians with a love of travel, art, jewelry, furniture, a fine table, plus dachshunds, elephants and fish. 1000s of collectibles: preColombian artifacts, American sterling, jewelry, beer steins and rare Scandinavian and Danish modern furniture and MCM accessories. Located near SeaCamp on Oceanside of BPK. Follow signs and park with consideration. Photos: estatesales.net

Place your YARD SALE ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and get your stuff sold!

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- Environmental Tech 1, $5,000 Bonus

- Exercise Assistant

- Exercise Physiologist 1

- Medical Technologist 2, $15,000 Bonus

- Monitor Technician

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Bonus

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Registered Nurse, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist 2

- Supervisor Pharmacy Operations, $5,000 Bonus

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5,000 Bonus

- ED Team Coordinator 1

- Environmental Tech 1, $5,000 Bonus

- Food Service Worker, $5,000 Bonus

- Lead Med Technologist, $15,000 Bonus

- Mechanic 3

- Medical Technologist 2, $15,000 Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $9,000 Bonus

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Registered Nurse, $20,000 Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist 2

- Security Of cer

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

NOW AEI ADVENTURE ENVIRONMENTAL INC

Hiring machine operators, deckhands, general labor, mechanics & welders in the Upper Keys. 40/hrs per week. Monday-Friday.

Full time position, starting March 1. Responsible for program development, coordinating presentations, media relations and traveling exhibits. Must have excellent writing and public speaking skills. Knowledge of graphic design programs helpful. $45K annual salary.

Keys History & Discovery Center

82100 Overseas Hwy. Located on the property of the Islander Resort. For more information, email vivian@keysdiscovery.com

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, full-time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out application or fax resume to 305-852-9639.

EMPLOYMENT RV FOR SALE YARD SALES

Tired of your boring job? Looking for an exciting new challenge?

If so, we are offering an opportunity to join our team in a very fast paced, exciting and dynamic role that is structured with details varying on each project.

Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc. www.dynastymarine.net

Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world

OFFICE ASSISTANT FULLTIME

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program.

Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge in Islamorada is getting ready for a GRAND OPENING and we're looking to hire for all restaurant positions!

Open interviews Monday – Friday from 11am to 4pm at Oceanside Safari. Located at MM 73.5 right on the ocean at Caloosa Cove Marina, 73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

HIRING: FOH: HOSTS, SERVERS, BARTENDERS, BUSSERS, RUNNERS. BOH: LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS, DISHWASHERS.

Great pay, benefits and perks. We offer a stable 40 hrs-per-week to our hourly employees, and more hours if you want! Part-time positions available if you are looking for a second job, or after-school job.

We also offer a $1,000 Sign-On Bonus to all new hires, and a $500 Referral Bonus for employees who help us build up our team!

No Inglés. No Problema. Lo importante es que trabajes bien. Pa gen angle. Pa gen pwoblèm. Tout sa ki enpòtan se ke ou travay byen.

We are re-opening as a brand new full-service restaurant & bar, with a full kitchen with all brand new equipment, a beautiful bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a beachfront lounge on our own private beach. We’re currently in the final stages of renovation of the building and property, and we’re planning on opening the end of February. We need to start assembling and training our team now! Come join us!

**We are an Equal Opportunity Employer**

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge, 786-626-6124 73814 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036

Key West Engineering Technician

Middle Keys Journeyman Electrician

Middle Keys Distribution Systems Operator D

Middle Keys Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic C

Middle Keys Wastewater Pump Technician

Duck Key Wastewater Treatment Operator

Upper Keys Temporary Distribution Systems Operator D

Benefit package and salary is extremely competitive!  See Job description, salary and on-line application at www. aa.com/employment EEO, VPE, ADA, DFWP

PART TIME MORNING DOCKHANDS

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

DOCKHAND DUTIES include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking.

BOAT RENTAL APPLICANTS need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance.

Applicants can email Ma at eliteboatrentalsma @gmail.com. Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

THE FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY IS LOOKING TO FILL POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE KEYS

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Architects

We have openings for Intern Architects, Emerging Professionals, and Production Architects. Experience in High End Residential design is a plus.

Interior Designer Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess an interior design background and history of achievement in quality projects.

Junior Interior Designer

1+ year experience with basic interior architecture detailing. Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, and 20/20 a plus.

Jr. Interior Designer

Benefits

ARE CENTER, Inc.

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Crisis Counselor

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Crisis Counselor

Case Managers (Adult, Forensic, Children)

*Advocate (PT only)

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (or KW) Admissions Utilization Specialist

Care Coordinator

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

RNs and LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

Maintenance Specialist

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT only)

*No experience required for these positions. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

ONCE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research and rescue of marine mammals. We are looking to hire a full-time VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION, responsible for the company’s financial, accounting and administrative functions. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Policy development and implementation

• Liaison with Insurance agents, bankers, audit firm, 401(k) administrator, attorneys and financial management systems

• Internal and external financial reporting

• Member of Executive Steering Committee

• Management of Human Resources, Information Technology, Retail Gift Shop and Guest Services

• Facilitation and coordination of payment reimbursements for all Grants

• Oversight of all Insurance policies

• Fixed Asset Management

• Budget Administration

• Cash Management

• Recruitment and training of accounting staff and direct report department heads

The successful applicant will possess a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting and have 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in not-for-profit finance/accounting roles. The applicant must have excellent oral, written, analytical, interpersonal, management and organizational skills coupled with the ability to meet organizational goals, handle competing priorities, take initiative, and think creatively and strategically. CPA preferred. Must live in the area.

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total compensation package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits with the option of adding an HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

To apply please send your resume to Human Resources, Attention Jeanne Welever, 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050, fax to 305-289-8902 or email drc-hr@dolphins.org.

A coral within the Dry Tortugas is treated with an antibiotic paste to combat stony coral tissue loss disease. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/ Contributed

CORAL CREW TO THE RESCUE

FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE TEAM COMBATS A DESTRUCTIVE DISEASE ON THE REEFS

Alot of our diving these days revolves around conservation. And well it should. We are at a time where we need help to undo what humans have done to our planet. There are numerous organizations that have risen to this challenge right here in the Florida Keys. Organizations like I.CARE, Coral Restoration Foundation, Reef Renewal and Ocean Conservation Educators, not to mention numerous dive shops offering conservation programs to all the divers around the world that flock to the Keys for a diving vacation.

ERIC BILLIPS

is the owner, captain and instructor at Islamorada Dive Center and Florida Keys Dive Center. He specializes in scuba, rebreather, spearfishing and captaining in the Florida Keys.

Another program that has taken on this challenge to save our reefs is a project called “NOAA’s Ark” established by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Coral Reef Rescue team. They set out to address the stony coral disease that started in Miami and rapidly spread south through the Keys by harvesting healthy corals before the disease arrived. That landed the scientists in the Dry Tortugas National Park. This is where they harvested healthy corals and disbursed them to numerous aquariums across the nation.

At the aquariums, the corals were cared for and nurtured in hopes of reproduction. The question was, is all this going to work? Well, it did. The corals that were harvested from the Keys reefs reproduced in captivity. Those babies then turned into toddlers and then into teens. The scientists took these healthy teenage corals and replanted them into our waters where the stony coral disease was wreaking havoc. In restoring reef structure using offspring from the reef’s natural corals, it was an unprecedented approach to coral restoration; nobody knew if it was to be successful or not. But something had to be done or these corals were going to die.

There are so many programs aimed at safeguarding the planet, and so many right here in the Florida Keys. We can make a difference. It’s in our hands now. So get involved. Conservation volunteerism is an incredible thing to share with your family.

Windy 3-4 foot seas Southeast winds, 15-20 mph

Southeast winds, 15-20 mph SUNDAY

1-2 foot seas 1 foot seas

North winds, 5 mph